Why I Give

Dr. Shiela Harmon Martin, Professor Emerita

“The University of the District of Columbia and Federal City College, one of its predecessor institutions, are special to me because they were the foundation upon which I discovered my professional gifts and a purpose-driven life journey. I am forever grateful for UDC, where I was allowed to discover, develop, and utilize my gifts as a teacher and leader. During my 49 years of service, I was able to fulfill my responsibility to serve the hundreds of students that I taught and mentored as a political scientist.

Since my retirement in 2023, through the UDC Foundation, I have established the Dr. Shiela Harmon Martin Political Science Opportunity Fund (The Fund), designed to provide financial support to political science students in three areas:

1. Attending and presenting academic research at discipline-related conferences and meetings.
2. Engaging in experiential activities i.e. internships and travel abroad.
3. Need-based stipends to pay off account balances of graduating political science seniors.

To ‘pay it forward,’ the Fund’s primary goal is to seek financial donations through outreach to political science alumni. In its initial stage, the Fund has an impressive beginning garnering more than $25,000 in donations from fundraising appeals. These funds include a major pledge of $10,000 annually over a 5-year period by George (Ty) Simpson, Class of 1992 and president of Spectrum Management, LLC.

Mr. Simpson’s advance payment of $20,000, is fulfilling my dream of UDC students supporting other UDC students. To date, the Fund has financially supported the attendance of eight political science students at the annual meetings (2024 and 2025) of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists in Los Angeles, California and New Orleans, Louisiana. As beneficiaries of UDC, students, faculty, administrators, and staff — the UDC family — we must financially support our institution. I hope that through this Fund, Political Science alumni will emulate my commitment to future political science students by doing large things with great love for UDC.”

George “Ty” Simpson, Alumnus

“We continue to support UDC financially through the Political Science Department. Dr. Harmon Martin, my professor, continues to nurture and develop our political science students by having them participate in conferences to demonstrate our University's talent.   

The most important part of UDC is the support and community it provided me when I faced my toughest challenges in life. The professors and staff recognized, during my time, that we searched for opportunity and used UDC as a safe place to learn and prosper.   

My support is accomplishing Dr. Harmon Martin's vision. I would love UDC to become a political think tank for the federal and municipal governments for aspiring political science students.”

Dr. Rachel Petty, Former Provost and Professor Emerita

“As a Professor Emeritus, it has been a privilege to continue to be a part of the UDC community. I devote time and contribute financially to the University, specifically by attending events, providing advice and support to faculty, staff, and students. Annually, I contribute to UDC fundraising appeals and to funds including the CAS Dean’s Discretionary Fund, Jazz Alive and the Monteith Fund, established in honor of my late parents.

I served most of my 40-year career in higher education at UDC, where I served as a faculty member and administrator. My extensive experiences with hundreds of faculty and students and alumni enabled me to witness firsthand the institution’s impact on the individual, community, and societal level. I am committed to doing all that I can to sustain UDC’s legacy of excellence in teaching, research, and service.

UDC’s dynamic academic offerings, broad diversity of students, commitment to faculty and university leadership create an optimal environment for learning as an HBCU, urban land-grant and public university for Washington, DC.

I hope to continue to give my time and treasure to students, faculty and staff who will have access to resources that enable them to experience the rigorous and supportive academic community UDC has always provided. I encourage current and future students, faculty, and staff to make a commitment to continue to support the University through advocacy, volunteerism, and philanthropy.”

Denise Slaughter, Staff Supporter

“I proudly wear my ‘I LOVE UDC’ button everywhere I go — not because I have to, but because I want to draw attention to an institution that I feel is undervalued and overlooked even in our own community. It attracts the attention of UDC’s vast network of alumni and current students, former and current faculty and staff, and other members of the District community who have been touched by it — and most importantly, gives me the chance to explain what’s so special about it to those who don’t know us.

My brother, who had many issues during his life, was able to matriculate and earn his bachelor’s degree in psychology, then his master’s in Rehab Counseling at UDC — after he had turned 45! He was selected for a STEM grant that helped him achieve at an even higher level. I hope other staff will consider a payroll deduction or even a one-time donation every year to pay it forward — mine are in memory of my parents who encouraged and celebrated my education.”

Jordan Davis, Student Supporter

“I would recommend UDC to future students first and foremost because of the unique and invaluable opportunities available here that you won’t find at any other school in Washington, DC.

I got my start at UDC’s Community College where I had the pleasure of working with and having classes with men and women in their 50s, 60s and 70s and beyond, who were also parents and grandparents who opted to return to school. There were also students like me who didn’t perform their best in high school but rediscovered a passion for learning and striving again. Coming to UDC-CC gave me that opportunity without holding my high school performance against me. Every student at UDC-CC has such an amazing story that led them to become a Firebird.”